Mishkan Shalom is a diverse, progressive and inclusive Jewish community located in Philadelphia with a Hebrew school, an array of adult education opportunities, a teen program, a program for children with special needs, a center for Jewish

Finding the Voice Within: A Musical Approach to Spiritual Direction

October 30, 2013 1:15 PM

Life today is often overwhelming. Even as we engage with issues as private as our most intimate relationships, and as communal as how to heal the Earth, we are often disconnected from ourselves and from community. Finding moments to tune in to our own selves and to each other can be a serious challenge.

But accessing our inner creativity can help us become aware of our experiences in new ways—especially when now, more than ever, we need creative and inspired answers to our individual

and communal problems.

This nine-session group experience will combine spiritual direction and music. Participants will have the opportunity to share what is on their hearts and then be a part of group music making, where the

speakers’ experiences are supported and reflected back to them musically.

We’ll tune in to the divine energy that surrounds us all, finding our voices and intuition. As we connect with each other, the group will act as a mirror to those parts of us that are broken and those that are whole. Together we will express, listen, and gain insight as we create something new and beautiful.

Don't worry—absolutely NO musical experience or creative talent is necessary. To foster continuity and predictability, we ask that people commit to attending all nine sessions.

Meredith Barber, Psy.D., is combining many of her passions with this course, including group work, spiritual exploration, and creativity. She has been a psychologist for 20 years, leads groups, teaches graduate-level classes in psychotherapy, and recently completed the Lev Shomea program in Jewish spiritual direction.

Julie Lipson, M.A., MT-BC is a board certified music therapist and comes to this group with experience in Jewish song leading and group facilitation. She has worked in Jewish communities for more than 10 years, leading services, chanting and drumming, and infusing spiritual practice with creativity.

Register at mishkan.org/committee/adult-education-committee or contact Mishkan Shalom at 215-508-0226 or [email protected]. For other questions, please feel free to contact Meredith Barber at [email protected].